By Shane Goodman | Times Vedette
The regular meeting of the Panora City Council was held on Monday, Feb. 9 with the bulk of the meeting dedicated to a follow-up discussion on the lack of water meter access to an apartment building, as well as a budget workshop review of the fiscal year 2027 city budget.
Water Distribution Superintendent Ismael Galvan addressed the council over an ongoing concern about access to water meters at a multi-unit apartment building, noting that upon further inspection, one of the tenants in the building changed the locks, and they no longer have access to the meters.
Galvan noted how it would not be fair to shut water off to everyone in the building because of the decisions of one tenant. “But, we need access,” he said.
After lengthy discussion, the council suggested that Galvan research the crawl space in the building for meter access before they pursue other options.
In other news, the councilmembers approved a class E Retail Alcohol License for Panora Hometown foods – Reinhart Bros Inc. The council also received a copy of the City Council Personal Code of Conduct, and councilmembers are to review and sign.
In addition, the council approved Resolution 26-07, which is the Restated Plan for the Panora Urban Revitalization Area. The council also approved a corresponding ordinance, the First Reading of Ordinance 361, Amending Ordinances Designating an Area of Panora, Iowa as the Panora Urban Revitalization Area. The council approved this and voted to waive the second and third readings.
The council also approved Resolution 26-08, approving a set time and date for a public hearing to hear comments regarding a proposed FY26 Budget Amendment for General Fund Transfers that was previously approved. Resolution 26-09 was also approved, allowing a revision to the Employee Handbook relating to an updated on pay increases for electric utility certifications. In addition, former councilmember Shane Gliem was appointed as a member to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
The council held a budget workshop for fiscal year 2027 and reviewed the proposed budget that was presented by City Administrator Lisa Grossman.
The next regular meeting is set for Monday, Feb. 9 at 5:30 p.m. The public is welcome. Interested persons may attend in person or electronically by visiting the website https://meet.goto.com/cityofpanora or by phone 1-312-757-3121 (Access Code 295-099-701, Audio PIN 220#).